How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?

One of the most common physical ailments that individuals suffer from today is poor vision. For hundreds of years, corrective lenses have been the only solution for poor vision, but technological advances have brought about a revolutionary procedure that can treat poor vision both safely and effectively: laser eye surgery. Laser surgery for vision correction works to effectively reshape components of the eye to create perfect vision.

Laser eye surgery is a precise and controlled procedural removal of corneal tissue by a special laser that works to reshape the cornea to change its focusing power. Depending on the extent of your vision impairment, this treatment may or may not be successful; therefore a consultation with a laser technician will determine if you are a good candidate. The technician will scan your eyes to create a detailed map of the integral components of the eye. This map will also be used to properly adjust the laser for treatment.

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The Target

The main target of laser eye surgery is the cornea. The shape of the cornea determines how clear a person's vision will be; the laser surgery successfully re-shapes the cornea to change the way it focuses. Once a detailed map of the eye is taken and you are determined to be a good candidate, the procedure can begin. Anesthetic drops will be placed in the eyes to numb the area. The surgeon will begin by placing a lid speculum over each eye, which will keep the eye open for the procedure. A cut will then be made into the cornea that is equal to about ¼ its depth. Once the cut is made, the surgeon will direct the laser towards the cornea to change its shape.

As the light comes into contact with the corneal tissue, a minute portion of it is vaporized. The surgeon can precisely control the position, size and number of pulses to remove only what is necessary for vision correction. When tissue vaporization is complete, the corneal flap is replaced where it quickly conforms to the newly shaped cornea. Over the next few days, the flap will heal and the patient's vision should become completely clear.

The Results

While this procedure is fairly safe and effective, there is, as with any surgical procedure, always a risk. The most common risks associated with laser eye surgery are under-correction and over-correction; while the treatment could change your level of vision impairment, it may not repair it completely. These risk factors can be discussed with your surgeon before undergoing treatment. Treatment results will vary from improved vision to perfect vision; each individual has different attributes so outcomes can differ. Don't be discouraged if your vision isn't perfect, many men and women undergo multiple treatments to get perfect results. Laser eye surgery is a revolutionary way to significantly improve all levels of impaired vision.